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Robert Sterling, 88, of 'Topper,' Is Dead

LOS ANGELES, May 31 (AP) — Robert Sterling, the handsome star of 1940's movies who appeared with his wife Anne Jeffreys in the television series "Topper," died on Tuesday at his home here. He was 88.

He died of natural causes after a decade-long battle with shingles, said his son Jeffrey Sterling.

Although he appeared in dozens of movies, Robert Sterling was best known for the 1953-1956 television series "Topper," based on a novel by Thorne Smith and on the 1937 film starring Cary Grant and Constance Bennett.

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The actor Robert Sterling, with his wife Anne Jeffreys in 1954, was best known for his role in "Topper," in which Ms. Jeffreys also appeared.Credit
Associated Press

Mr. Sterling and Ms. Jeffreys played George and Marion Kerby, a fun-loving couple killed in an accident who return as ghosts to haunt the new occupant of their home, a sober banker named Cosmo Topper, played by Leo G. Carroll.

Mr. Sterling was born William Hart in November 13, 1917, in New Castle, Pa. He attended college in Pennsylvania and worked as a clothing salesman before breaking into movies.

He proved a versatile player, especially in romantic roles, and appeared in five films in 1941, including the romantic comedy "Two-Faced Woman" with Greta Garbo and "The Penalty" with Lionel Barrymore.

After "Topper," Mr. Sterling became a businessman and worked in the early stages of computers.

He was married to the actress Ann Sothern from 1943 to 1949, and they had a daughter, the actress Tisha Sterling, who survives him, along with Ms. Jeffreys, his wife since 1951; their three sons, Jeffrey, Dana and Tyler; and six grandchildren.